François Hollande: ‘No concessions’ for Turkey over migration

France’s President François Hollande said Saturday that he does not intend to make any concessions to Turkey on human rights or visas in exchange for the country’s help to stem the flow of migrants into Europe.

“There cannot be any concessions on the matter of human rights or the criteria for visa liberalisation,” he said after a meeting of European leaders in Paris.

Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu made new demands during a summit Monday, requesting an extra €3 billion in financial aid, accelerated EU membership negotiations and that Brussels drop visa restrictions for all Turks traveling to the EU. In return, Turkey would agree to take back all migrants who arrive in Greece illegally. For every Syrian sent back to Turkey, the EU would resettle one Syrian from Turkey.

Authors:

Related stories on these topics:

zoe

Finally! Hollande must stand up against Merkel craziness! The opposition of Merkel is growing :))

Posted on 3/12/16 | 4:48 PM CET

Roy Jacobs

Merkel unilaterally negotiated a deal with Turkey behind the backs of the EU Council and its president Tusk.
It was obvious this deal would not stand and was done purely with German Local Elections in mind.
I hope the German public are not so docile and brainwashed no to see this, but I have my doubts.

Posted on 3/13/16 | 9:37 AM CET

rer

So Hollande has a spine!!! Let’s see if he can remain erect! STOP MERKEL!!

Posted on 3/13/16 | 9:53 AM CET

Alan

No, No Francois has forgotten how the EU- topia works.
The Chancellor and Grand Mutti of Berlin decides what the policy (any policy) is. This decision is communicated publicly to her vassals and the world generally. Junkers are placed on stand by. Occasionally a meeting of vassals is held, usually in Brussels, to discuss this decision over brandy & cigars. After the meeting a communique is issued confirming that the majority disagreed with the decision but that it was adopted unanimously- the Chancellor & Grand Mutti having agreed with herself. The vassals return to their provinces to implement the policy decision. Meanwhile Junkers remain on stand by to encourage and support this implementation.